Build Smarter: A Seminar Series with Foster Lyons is brought to you by Gault Stone & Landscape Supplies. For engaging in-person seminars designed for building professionals who want to learn, connect, and grow, this series combines practical insights with opportunities to network with peers and industry experts.
Get ready to learn from Foster Lyons - Building Scientist, Engineer, & All Around Troubleshooter for Architectural/Construction/Engineered Projects!
Upcoming Events
Masonry Stains, Cracks, and Other Irritating Defects
Thursday, February 19th, 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Stone masonry can be beautiful. Unfortunately, it is also subject to a myriad of defects. This class will help you understand various potential defects and how to prevent them.
Enjoy complimentary Craft Beers & Wings while networking with peers and industry professionals. This event will feature a wine tasting with Foster, showcasing a Walter Scott Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2024 and a Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Estate Grown Eola-Amity Hills 2023.
Learning Objectives:
1. Able to identify many possible stone masonry defects.
2. Able to identify the primary cause of various stone masonry defects.
3. Able to properly specify masonry materials to reduce the risk of experiencing defects.
4. Able to properly detail masonry assemblies to reduce the risk of experiencing defects.
Stucco and Plaster Defects.
Thursday, March 19th, 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Stucco and plaster are among the oldest building materials, used worldwide. Unfortunately, they are subject to a variety of defects that can ruin their aesthetics and reduce their effectiveness. This class will help you understand various potential defects and how to prevent them.
Learning Objectives:
1. Able to identify many possible stucco and plaster defects.
2. Able to identify the primary cause of various stucco and plaster defects.
3. Able to properly specify stucco and plaster materials to reduce the risk of experiencing defects.
4. Able to properly detail stucco and plaster assemblies to reduce the risk of experiencing defects.
Are you interested in more Build Smarter Events?
Please let us know what topics you’re interested in for 2026!
Past Events
Building Disasters - Don’t Do This
Thursday, September 18th, 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Kick off the series with an insider’s look at common local design and building mistakes that can lead to major, systemic problems. Foster Lyons will break down what goes wrong, why it happens, and how to prevent these costly issues. For situations where remedies are possible, he’ll also share effective solutions.
Enjoy complimentary Tequila & Tacos for cautionary tales with a kick.
Learning Objectives:
Identify common local design schemes that often lead to serious building issues.
Understand the underlying physics behind these problems.
Learn how to design new projects that avoid these pitfalls.
Explore practical repair solutions for existing issues.
Decks & Balconies: Roofs You Can Walk On
Thursday, October 16th, 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Elevated decks over living spaces are a hallmark of Fairfield County homes - but so are the leaks and failures that often follow. This seminar dives into why these issues happen and how to prevent them. From cracked tiles and efflorescence to water staining, condensation, and loose railings, Foster will cover the problems that keep homeowners, builders, and architects awake at night. You’ll leave with actionable solutions and a clearer understanding of how to design and build decks and balconies that last.
An al fresco feel with complimentary Rose and Skewers for these outdoor living structures.
Learning Objectives:
Design pedestrian decks and balconies that function as roofs while meeting prescriptive code requirements.
Develop effective drainage schemes for elevated decks and balconies.
Create durable, leak-free roofing, waterproofing, and flashing systems.
Design secure, waterproof railing attachment schemes at the edges of decks and balconies.
Stucco: OK, but I Wish You Wouldn’t
Thursday, November 20th, 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Stucco may look appealing, but in Fairfield County - especially near the waterfront - it often creates more problems than it solves. With our climate, rainfall, and common construction practices, stucco failures are all too familiar. In this seminar, Foster breaks down the different types of stucco systems, the common pitfalls in installation, and how to design durable cladding solutions that can stand up to local conditions. You’ll gain practical insights into when stucco makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
You’ll learn when stucco makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to avoid costly mistakes - all while enjoying complimentary Sangria and Charcuterie, plus a red and white wine tasting featuring Domaine Bois de Boursan Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Domaine le Sang des Cailloux.
Learning Objectives:
Differentiate between various cladding systems often referred to as stucco.
Identify construction methods that create problems in both traditional and modern stucco cladding.
Recognize environmental conditions that require compliance with new building code requirements for stucco.
Design stucco cladding systems that are both functional and durable.
Efflorescence Prevention
Thursday, January 22nd, 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Explore one of the most common - and frustrating - issues in masonry construction. While masonry is known for its beauty and durability, unsightly white staining can quickly diminish its appearance, leaving owners wondering why it occurs and how to prevent it. This class breaks down what efflorescence really is, why it happens, and what can be done to minimize the risk.
Join us for complimentary Prosecco and flatbreads while networking with peers and industry professionals. This event will feature a wine tasting with Foster, showcasing Pra Soave Classico Monte Grande 2022 and Roccolo Grassi Valpolicella Superiore 2019.
Learning Objectives:
Identify the four conditions necessary for efflorescence to occur
Understand the primary causes of efflorescence when it appears on a masonry assembly
Properly specify masonry materials to reduce the risk of efflorescence
Properly detail masonry assemblies to help prevent efflorescence
